27-05-2025
Community mourns beloved shop owner, friend killed over weekend
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Livingston Avenue community is in mourning after a local business owner was shot and killed late Sunday night.
People gathered outside Livingston Market Monday night to honor owner Jehad Alzaben. NBC4 was at the vigil for the 47-year-old, covering as police continue to search for a suspect in his death.
Every single person said the same thing: Alzaben would do anything for anyone. People shared countless stories about how he would help those in need whether that be by giving them a job or giving them food and water. It's safe to say he will be missed dearly.
'He wasn't like a store owner. We don't look at Jehad like a store owner. We would come and see Jehad without spending money,' Randy Walker, a friend and former employee of Alzaben, said.
Alzaben owned the Livingston Market at the corner of East Livingston and Fairwood for nearly 30 years. Those close to him described him as a big brother and a staple in the community.
'I've been knowing Jehad since I was 16 years old. It has been about 20 to 22 years now,' said Walker.
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Walker says there's nothing that Alzaben wouldn't do for the people he came in contact with, no matter how well he knew them.
'He gave people his money out of his own pockets. He fed the homeless like he was that man. He was him,' said Walker, 'We all know Jehad on a personal level. We all got our personal experiences with Jehad. So he wasn't just a store owner to this community. He was a brother, a father to a lot of people.'
A store that used to bring the Livingston community so much joy is now filled with balloons and messages that read 'Rest Peacefully' and 'Long Live Jehad.'
'They really need to change this street to Jehad Ave. I ain't even had time to let it sink in, it's still mind blowing to me what happened. But it was unfortunate. Nobody should die doing business,' Walker said.
Walker said they plan to meet outside the store on May 26 every year to celebrate Alzaben's life and legacy.
Columbus police have not named any suspects or a possible motive as of publication, but the investigation continues. Police said they are investigating it as a homicide and ask anyone with information to call 614-645-4077, or report to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers anonymously at 614-461-TIPS (8477).
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